Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said at the announcement today: "I welcome the announcement that Microsoft is adding 200 new roles to the Inside Sales organisation just six months after the investment was first announced.

"It demonstrates the opportunities that can be created for Ireland from our existing employers and investors, and illustrates that the talent is available in Ireland for these types of jobs and for employers."

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “The addition of a further 200 roles to the EMEA Inside Sales team demonstrates the availability of highly–skilled technical and sales talent available in the region.

"Microsoft’s continued growth and commitment to Ireland has resulted in Dublin being a strategically important location for the company’s global business.

"Ireland is a global technology hub of choice when it comes to attracting the strategic business activities of ICT companies and Microsoft’s ongoing expansion in Dublin is a clear endorsement of this.”